1941 Walking Liberty Half Dollar
Estimated value
$12 - $25Rarity
Common(2/10)Category
Rare Coins & CurrencyBrand
United States MintEra
1941Origin
United StatesArtist / Creator
Adolph A. WeinmanAuthenticity
1941 WALKING LIBERTY HALF DOLLAR: IDENTIFICATION
A United States half dollar featuring Adolph A. Weinman's Walking Liberty design on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse. The obverse depicts Liberty enveloped in the Stars and Stripes, walking toward a rising sun, while the reverse shows an eagle perched on a mountain crag with a sapling of mountain pine. This specimen exhibits the standard composition of 90% silver and 10% copper, with a diameter of 30.6 millimeters.
CROSS-CULTURAL PARALLELS
Where This Object Echoes
The design reflects the early 20th-century American Renaissance in coinage, emphasizing neo-classical aesthetics.
Ritual & Ceremonial Use
- •Commonly included in 'year sets' or 'birth year' collections given the iconic nature of the design.
Meaning Through Time
Represented American resilience and the march toward liberty during the WWII era.
NUMISMATIC HISTORY
The Walking Liberty design, minted from 1916 to 1947, is frequently cited by numismatists like Cornelius Vermeule as one of the most aesthetically significant U.S. coins. In 1941, the Philadelphia Mint produced 24,192,000 circulation strikes, making it a high-output year during the early mobilization for World War II.
NUMISMATIC NOTES
The Walking Liberty design was so popular that it was resurrected in 1986 for the obverse of the American Silver Eagle bullion coin.
A total of 15,412 proof versions of this coin were minted in 1941, primarily for collectors at the Philadelphia Mint.
SCARCITY
Older mass-produced items still widely available. Easy to find on eBay, antique malls, and estate sales in large quantities.
Typical Characteristics
- Mass produced historically
- High survival rate
- Readily available everywhere
Confidence Factors
NUMISMATIST'S ASSESSMENT
Numismatist
The date and design are clearly identifiable, and the market for this specific date is well-documented with high liquidity.
KEY EVIDENCE
- 1Clear '1941' date on the obverse
- 2Absence of mint marks on the reverse (indicative of Philadelphia Mint)
- 3Wear patterns on Liberty's gown and the eagle's wing tips consistent with a VF-30 grade
WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY
- →Obtain an accurate weight in grams to confirm it meets the standard 12.50g specification
CONDITION & GRADE
Grading breakdown
Moderate wear is visible on the high points of Liberty's knee and the eagle's breast; however, the major design elements and legends remain fully distinct and legible.
Condition
The obverse high points, particularly Liberty's breast and the folds of her gown, show moderate flattening. The reverse eagle's breast feathers exhibit significant wear, and the overall surfaces appear dull, suggesting circulated status with potential light cleaning or environmental toning.
NUMISMATIC VALUATION
Updated: Sep 3, 2026
- Market comparables from auctions & retail
- Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
- Current collector demand & trends
- Low = quick sale, high = patient seller
For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.
YOUR INPUT VS. SCAN
How your provided context compares with Curiosa.com scanner findings.
What Aligned
- User stated 1941 half dollar - date is clearly visible on the obverse bottom rim
- User stated minor wear - visual evidence shows circulated wear consistent with a Very Fine grade
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